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Latest News: Training and recruitment is ongoing - Wednesday, 02 March 2011 22:54

week 8

PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Mob Hacks Suspected Thieves, Sets Car Ablaze in Calabar

Three suspected criminals, who allegedly specialised in snatching bags from women in Calabar, Cross River State, were on Tuesday hacked with machetes almost to the point of death by residents. The suspects were trailed by eyewitnesses after they had allegedly snatched the bag of a woman who had just come out from a bank. The car which was allegedly used for the operation was also set ablaze by the angry mob. The thieves were caught after eyewitnesses intercepted their vehicle. The suspected thieves were inflicted with cuts before the arrival of policemen, who rescued and took the suspects away. The state spokesman, Hogan Bassey, confirmed the arrest of the suspects, whom he said were receiving medical attention, and would appear in court after investigations are completed. Similarly, two robbers operating in a tricycle were killed on Monday, while their tricycle was set ablaze, while another suspect, who was almost lynched, but was rescued by the police. Residents said that they decided to confront criminals as the police appeared powerless to combat crime in the area.

MEND Claims Responsibility for Bayelsa Attack

The Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta said on Sunday that its fighters attacked two police gunboats at Peremabiri, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The group said the gunboats were escorting a former militant leader, Mr. Eris Paul, popularly known as Ogunboss. MEND said Ogunboss, other ex-militant leaders and their “ill-gotten property” had been penciled down for destruction. Police gunboats came under attack on Saturday by gunmen initially thought to be youths from the community and led to an exchange of gunfire that lasted over 30 minutes. But MEND after claiming responsibility for the incident in which two persons were feared killed, described Ogunboss and other ex-creek warlords as traitors.

Communities Lament as Cameroun Demarcates Cross River Villages

The Republic of Cameroun is currently carrying out a demarcation of border villages in Cross River State in preparation for its full annexation after the area was ceded to it. The government of Cameroun in conjunction with some officials of the United Nations embarked on the exercise recently, according to a petition to Governor Liyel Imoke written by one of the communities affected in the demarcation exercise, Danare. These border villages were not among the Nigerian communities ceded to the Republic of Cameroun in the aftermath of the judgment by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which awarded the ownership of the oil-rich Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroun. Signed by the village head of Danare, Chief K.K. Mbia; the community chairman, Clement Abang and youth leader, Lawcity Mbia, the people said they were disappointed that the surveyors were in a hurry to do their job irrespective of the consequences that may arise. But the Chief Press Secretary to the state governor assured that the state would not lose any of its communities to Cameroun.

New Rivers CP Warns Officers against Corruption

The new Rivers State Police Commissioner, Mr. Tunde Ogunsakin, Wednesday formally assumed duties in Port Harcourt with a warning to officers and men of the command that he would not tolerate corruption or dereliction of duties. Addressing senior police officers at the command headquarters, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, Ogunsakin demanded total loyalty from officers and men of the command. He threatened that any officer that abandons his duty post will be dealt with. Ogunsakin further warned that he had zero tolerance for corruption. “If you lack in integrity and are found corrupt, you will be dealt with. You must exhibit a high sense of confidence and integrity in the profession. Be bold, firm and courageous.” He, however, assured the officers and men of the command that he would ensure their welfare to encourage them to be committed to duty. Meanwhile it was all cheers for Mbu as he took his farewell salute. The policemen hailed him as he ascended the rostrum for the salute. Some of the policemen wept as they said they would miss his leadership.

Woman Drowns Baby in River

There was anger in Kaiama community, the headquarters of Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA of Bayelsa State when a 27-year-old mother drowned her baby a few hours after delivery. The lady, Miss Erebi Amgba, was reported to have delivered the baby on her own by the river at about 3am last Saturday. Immediately after the delivery, she proceeded to drown the child. It was gathered that someone who by chance came to the riverside to defecate saw what happened and raised the alarm. Before delivery, the young woman was said to have tried all she could to conceal the pregnancy. Even though a number of her relations suspected that she was pregnant, nobody knew she was close to delivery as at the time of the incident. She was said to be in the town staying with her grandfather when she gave birth to the child.

SSS Arrests Kidnappers of Ex-Lawmaker

The State Security Service, Ebonyi Command, has arrested two alleged kidnappers of Chief Kennedy Ogba, the former Deputy Leader of the State Assembly. The brother-in-law to Dr Sam Egwu, a former governor of the state, was kidnapped on February 7. The State Director of the SSS, Mr Laasan Baba, while parading the suspects, said Ogba was kidnapped at Nsurakpa Village in Ohaukwu Local Government Area by three armed men. The suspects were arrested when they went to collect the N2million ransom they had demanded. Baba also disclosed that the SSS found a list of high profile persons including politicians, local government chairmen, businessmen, women, children among others, all penciled for kidnap. Baba said that some members of the gang escaped during the operation and promised that efforts will be intensified to arrest and prosecute them.

Oil Leak Pollutes Bayelsa Community

A leak in a well head has been discharging crude oil in Egbebiri area of Biseni in Yenagoa Council area of Bayelsa since Friday, February 7. The leak, according to reports, due to corrosion at Idu Well 3, operated by Agip, is spewing crude oil in gaseous form which liquefies and settles on the ground.  An Agip surveillance staffer found at the site, Mr Eno Doukpola, said the leak had been reported to the company. He said the company had sent different groups of people to come and inspect the leak but what they needed is a maintenance team to stop the leak.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

1000 Chevron Workers Regain Freedom after Lockdown

American oil giant, Chevron, Saturday evening confirmed the release of more than 1,000 of its workers held down by protesters from host communities for nearly a week at the camp of its multi-billion naira Escravos Gas-to-Liquid (EGTL) project in Warri South-West LGA of Delta State. A statement signed by Chevron Nigeria Limited’s General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Deji Haastrup, revealed that it took the intervention of troops of the Niger Delta security Joint Task Force (JTF) to secure the release of the mostly contract workers forcibly confined to the camp by the protesters for five days. The company disclosed that many of the workers are now either back in Warri, Delta State or en-route to Warri to re-unite with their families.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

39 Policemen Killed in 154 Operations in Lagos

A total of 39 policemen were killed in Lagos State in 2013, while the police in turn recovered 16034 ammunition, arrested 472 suspected armed robbers and killed about 146 in gun duels during armed robbery operations that occurred in the state within the period under review. Meanwhile, stealing, obtaining of money under false pretence, rape, murder, forgery, burglary and armed robbery topped the crime chart in the state last year with 1,200, 550, 1,161, 132, 111, 178, 200 and 154 figures respectively. The state Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko, in the comprehensive data, revealed that while 39 gallant officers were gunned down in 154 armed robbery operations across the state, the police in turn killed over 146 armed and arrested 472. Manko however said the command had faced some constraints of being dynamic in the sense that criminals naturally attempt to evolve new trends and patterns to thwart the efforts being made by the police.

Passenger with Undeclared N320m Nabbed at Airport

The Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Tuesday arrested a passenger with $1,909,140 (about N320 million), which he concealed in his luggage without declaring it to customs officials at the currency desk on arrival into the country. Customs said his non declaration of the exact amount he came into the country with is gross violation of extant regulations as it affects the movement of large sums of foreign currency into Nigeria. The Public Relations Officer of the Airport Command of NCS, Thelma Williams, identified the passenger as one Mr Ani Paulinus Onyeka, who came into the country aboard Asky Airlines flight from Congo Democratic Republic.

Police Arrest Fake Doctor, 6 Robbers in Lagos

Police operatives attached to the Lagos State Police Command have arrested and paraded a fake medical doctor and six other persons for allegedly raiding several Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) in Lagos. The suspects were arrested after raiding an ATM machine. The police also recovered assorted military and police rifles with loaded magazines including 16 various automatic rifles, four AK47 rifles, 300 rounds of AK47 magazines, one pump action gun, a police walkie-talkie, one sledge hammer, one iron cutter and eight gas cylinders, from the gangs hideout in Igando. In his confessional statement to the police, the fake doctor, claimed that he had been parading as a doctor for the past 15 years, added that he dropped out of school at 400 level.

Woman Arrested for Stealing Neighbour’s Baby

The police in Kwara state have arrested one Funke Odel over the stealing of her friend’s month-old daughter. Mother of the child, Funke Olowokere had left the baby her neighbour and friend, Funke Odelabi, penultimate Sunday, but was surprised when Odelabi disappeared with the baby. She was said to have raised the alarm which attracted neighbours who organised a search party for the missing girl and the suspect but all to no avail. The outgoing Commissioner of Police, Agboola Oshodi-Glover, explained that after the residents failed to locate the suspect, the matter was reported at the police station. Odelabi was traced and arrested in Ogbomosho, while the baby was rescued and handed over to her parents.

Pastor, 3 Others Paraded over Lagos Bank Robberies

The police in Lagos on Thursday paraded four suspected armed robbers, including a pastor, whose gang specialised in attacking banks. The Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko, who paraded the suspects, also displayed 12 AK-47 rifles, two K2 rifles, 30 fully loaded AK-47 magazines and one pump action gun amongst other items recovered from them. Manko said that three other suspects, belonging to the gang were killed in gun battle with the police in different operations. He noted that the gang had attacked the Access Bank Branch at Ayobo, near Lagos on November 16, 2013, killing three police officers, and carting away their rifles. The commissioner said the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) had an encounter with the gang on November 20, 2013 at Ilasamaja, where two members of the gang were “fatally wounded and arms were recovered. All the suspects arrested have confessed to Bank robberies.

Kidnappers Free Ekiti Businessman, Doctor

The Ekiti State Police Command said on Thursday that the two persons that were reportedly held hostage by suspected kidnappers in some parts of the state last week have been released. A security source said the two victims must have been held hostage by members of the same gang. The two persons were found at an isolated place at Ijero-Ekiti, in Ijero LGA of the state. Those who were abducted were a renowned Lagos-based business man, Chief Femi Fadeyi, and a medical doctor with the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Adekunle Abayomi. Fadeyi was kidnapped on Monday at a petrol station in Ido-Ekiti, while Abayomi was abducted on a journey from Ado Ekiti. It was gathered that a ransom of N800,000 was paid by the colleagues of the medical doctor. The Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti State Command, Victor Babayemi, who confirmed their release, said seven suspects had been arrested.

Fuel Tanker Fire Claimed Seven Lives

Seven persons were killed at Aramoko Ekiti in Ekiti West LGA of Ekiti State on Tuesday after a fuel truck went up in flames. The victims were burnt beyond recognition after the truck lost control. Two buildings, some vehicles and a motorcycle, parked beside the houses, were also razed by fire. The tanker driver, who survived the crash, was said to have been detained at Aramoko Divisional Police Station. The remains of the victims had been deposited at the morgue of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti. The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Modupe Adelabu, who visited the scene, lamented the recklessness of road users.

NDLEA Discovers Methamphetamine in Synthetic Hair

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has discovered three kilogrammes of substances that tested positive for methamphetamine inside female hair attachment packaged for export to South Africa. The NDLEA Head of Public Affairs, Ofoyeju Mitchell, disclosed that the anti-narcotic officials detected the drugs at the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) cargo section of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. According to the NDLEA Airport commander, Hamza Umar, the agency apprehended a thirty-seven (37) year-old freight forwarder in connection with the illicit shipment. The 37 year-old forwarding agent, Mark Udegbulun, had brought the consignment of female artificial hair for shipment to South Africa. During examination of the bag, nine of the packs were found to contain parcels of substance that tested positive for methamphetamine hidden inside the artificial hair.

Man Remanded in Prison for Issuing Dud Cheques

For allegedly defrauding a distributor of Dangote Noodles of N18,180,000, a  businessman, Sayyu Zakari, was docked before Justice Kudirat Jose of a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja. The 34-year-old defendant was arraigned alongside his company, Alrander Limited, on a three-count charge of stealing, fraud and issuance of dishonoured cheque by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Zakari pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him. Zakari was said to have been supplied 9,000 cartons of Dangote Noodles by the complainant, Michelle Edmund Ventures. He allegedly issued two Fidelity Bank cheques same day to the distributor but both cheques failed to clear.

GENERAL

Boko Haram Insurgents Attack Borno Town, Kill 51

The bodies of 51 people killed in the Tuesday Boko Haram attack in Borno state were on Wednesday interred. Owing to the attack by members of the terrorist sect, residents of Konduga and Mardari were seen fleeing the town with their belongings. The insurgents, who razed about 80 per cent of buildings in the town during the attack, were alleged to have killed over 100 residents in the early evening siege. They were also alleged to have abducted 25 teenage girls from the town in the siege that went on for four hours between 4 pm and 8 pm. The insurgents, who were over 200 in number, according to eyewitnesses, stormed the town in 39 Toyota Hilux vehicles, armed with sophisticated weapons which included rocket propelled grenades (RPGs), assault rifles and explosive devices. The residents of the town, who claimed that the soldiers and the volunteer youth vigilante group were overpowered by the insurgents, lamented that they were left at the mercy of the assailants who killed at will and destroyed their houses with explosives.

SSS, Police Urged to Probe Zamfara Attacks

The House of Representatives on Tuesday appealed to the police and the State Security Service (SSS) to probe and find the culprits of the recent attacks and killings of 24 people of Tungar Rakumi and Mallamawa villages in Zamfara State. The House also sought the intervention of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in providing relief materials to the surviving members of the communities. Honourable Sani Dorawa, who noted that the degree destruction of the properties in the communities was frightening, said there was need for the House to "direct the security agencies to, as a matter of urgency, fish out the perpetrators of this act and bring them to justice. The House unanimously adopted the motion, even as the lawmakers condemned the attack on the communities.

Police Mop up Arms Ahead of 2015 General Elections

The police have said they have started mopping up arms ahead of the 2015 general election. Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Frank Mba, disclosed that the police had placed surveillance on public armouries across the country and the nation’s borders in order to checkmate illegal possession of arms. He said many black spots were also being raided across the nation. Mba said the police had also discovered some factories in Edo, Anambra States and other places. “The arms and factories were destroyed.’’ The police spokesman said arrangement was on to recover all illegal arms in the country for destruction. According to him, the IGP had also reduced the use of police escort by politicians and some private persons nationwide. He said surveillance had also been placed on politicians and private persons, with a view to checking anyone using police officers without permit.

Navy Redeploys 75 Senior Officers

The authorities of the Nigerian Navy have released the redeployment of 75 senior officers for various command and staff appointments within the service, the Defence Headquarters and other tri-service institutions of the Armed Forces. The Director of Information of the Nigerian Navy, Commodore Kabiru Aliyu, on Wednesday, said that the exercise affected 29 Rear Admirals, 28 Commodores and 18 Captains. Aliyu said that the appointments were expected to take effect from mid-February 2014. He disclosed that said that the former Chief of Policy and Plans, Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral Ogboi is now Chief of Administration; while the former Director of Logistics, Rear Admiral SA Akinwale is the new Director, Project Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation, amongst other appointments including changes in Flag Officers.

107 Senior Army Officers Redeployed

The Nigerian Army on Wednesday in Abuja announced the redeployment of 107 senior officers, including 36 Major-Generals and 61 others. The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Olajide Laleye, who announced the postings, stated that some of the officers affected in the exercise included six new General Officers Commanding (GOC). Maj.-Gen. K.C. Osuji is now the GOC, 1 Division, Kaduna; Maj-.Gen. E.F. Abejerin is now the GOC, 2 Division, Ibadan, while Maj.-Gen. John Zaruwa, is the new commander, 3 Division, Jos. Maj.-Gen. T.I. Debi, now commands 81 Division, Lagos; while Maj.­-Gen S. Yusuf, takes over at the 82 Division, Enugu. Laleye said that Maj.-Gen. Unsaid Bindawa is to remain at 7 Division, Maiduguri, while Maj-Gen. PAT Akem was appointed as the Army Provost Marshal. He disclosed that posting in the army was a routine activity carried out from time to time to fill existing vacancies emanating from promotions and retirements.

Court Orders Police to pay N10m over Rape of Toddler

A Nasarawa State High Court has ordered the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and a police corporal, Anthony Onoja, to pay a two-year-old the sum of N10 million for exemplary damages after the corporal was convicted of raping the toddler. Many considered the judgment to be too light for the police corporal and insisted that he deserved to spend a long time in jail for sexually defiling a baby. Justice A. Asmau, said she was convinced beyond reasonable doubt that the respondents in the case (the IG and Corporal Onoja) infringed on the baby's fundamental rights. The child’s mother, through her lawyer, Esther Uzoma, who is also the National Coordinator, Proactive Gender Initiative, an Abuja-based NGO, had in a motion, asked for an order for the payment by the respondents of the sum of N1.5 million for the expenses so far incurred by the parents on her health since the occurrence of the incident. She also sought an order for payment by the respondents of the sum of N10 million, being exemplary damages for infringement of her daughter’s fundamental rights.

Fresh Killings in Jos

Tension rose in parts of Plateau State after three corpses were discovered in the early hours of Tuesday in an abandoned building in Bukuru, Jos South LGA of the state. A source said the bodies of the victims were found with wounds believed to be of gunshots. The tension forced schools in the state capital to close early for fear of reprisals. Residents of the area said they had heard sporadic gunshots the previous night. Spokesman of the Special Task Force (STF) on Jos crisis, Captain Salisu Mustapher, who confirmed the development, said a woman was killed in Bukuru which sparked reactions in the area. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Felicia Anslem also confirmed the incident, but said only one person was killed.

Henry Okah Caught after Prison Break Attempt in South Africa

The 2010 Independence Day bomber, Henry Okah, sentenced to 24 years imprisonment in South Africa on terrorism charges, has been caught in a failed jail break attempt, prison authorities said Monday. Okah is reported to be one of the five inmates that attempted to escape and whose efforts were foiled, Manelisi Wolela, spokesman for South Africa’s department of correctional services, disclosed. He did not give details of the attempted escape from Leeukop prison in northern Johannesburg that was said to have taken place in January. Okah was convicted in 2013 and sentenced on 13 counts of terrorism, including twin bombings that killed 12 people in Abuja as Nigeria celebrated the 50th anniversary of its independence in 2010. He was arrested, tried and convicted in South Africa where he has permanent residency. The department said most of the offenders involved in the botched bid to escape are serving life sentences for serious offences.

Two Brothers Arraigned for Arson

Two brothers, Tyokase Ihom and Simeon Ihom, were on Wednesday arraigned before a Makurdi Chief Magistrates’ Court on charges of criminal conspiracy, trespass and mischief by fire. The Prosecuting Police Officer, Inspector GT Nev, told the court that one Iorpuu Tsaga of Abiem village in the Gwer LGA of Benue had reported the matter at Aliade police station on January 21, 2014. According to him, the complainant reported that the accused persons had conspired and went to his house and set two of his huts ablaze. Nev said that the fire destroyed properties worth N700,000. He said that during police investigation, the accused persons were arrested in connection with the offences. The pleas of the accused were not taken for want of jurisdiction. The prosecutor said that investigation into the matter was still in progress, and requested for another date for mention.

INTERNATIONAL

103 Killed in Algeria's Military Aircraft Crash

Algerian military transport plane has crashed, killing more than 100 people, Algerian TV reports on Tuesday. The C-130 Hercules aircraft, which crashed in Oum El Bouaghi, around 500 kilometres (310 miles) east of the country, was carrying soldiers and members of their families, a security source told AFP. The plane crashed in a mountainous area in Oum al-Bouaghi province, said private TV station Ennahar. Its source said that contact was lost with the military plane between Constantine and Oum al-Bouaghi. There are reports that the plane was carrying military personnel and family members. There has been no official confirmation from the army as yet. Ennahar reports that ambulances have been dispatched to the crash zone, which is some 380km (240 miles) east of the capital Algiers.

Cinema Attack Kills 12 in Pakistan as Government, Taliban Negotiators Meet

A triple grenade attack on a cinema showing pornography in northwest Pakistan killed 12 people on Tuesday as government and Taliban negotiators met for a second round of peace talks. It was the second such attack within two weeks on a cinema in the city of Peshawar, which has been on the front line of Pakistan’s homegrown Islamist insurgency. The attack came as negotiators representing the Pakistani government and Taliban militants met for a second time as part of efforts to end the bloody seven-year rebellion. After the meeting in Islamabad the chief negotiator for the Taliban, hardline cleric Maulana Sami-ul-Haq, said the two sides had proposed a ceasefire “to make the atmosphere for talks more conducive”. Peshawar city police chief, Mohammad Ijaz Ahmed said three grenades were used in the attack and up to 80 people were in the Shama cinema at the time. The cinema is known for showing explicit erotic movies as well as regular films.

Car Bomb Kills 11 Policemen in Pakistan

Eleven Pakistani policemen were killed Thursday when a suicide car bomber struck their bus, the latest in a series of near-daily attacks since the government called for peace talks with militants. The bombing in the commercial hub of Karachi, which wounded 47 others, came as Pakistan has been negotiating with the Taliban to end a seven-year insurgency. Munir Sheikh, a senior police official, disclosed that the bomber struck in the early morning. At least 47 wounded officers were hospitalised and 10 of them were in critical condition. Police said the blast occurred in an eastern district of Karachi near the national highway. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, which was the 11th since Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif announced talks on January 29 and said he wants to "give peace another chance".

Deadly Ice Storm Freezes US, Claims Lives

A deadly ice storm stranded scores of people on slick roads and knocked out power to hundreds of thousands of US homes. More than 3,700 flights due to take off on Thursday were canceled across the United States because of the wintry blast, airline monitors said. Nearly half a million homes and businesses lost power, mainly in the southeast of the US. At least 11 deaths had been blamed on the ferocious weather. President Barack Obama declared states of emergency in Georgia and South Carolina in order to deploy federal resources to help deal with the frigid storm, just the latest to wallop the eastern half of the US since the start of the year. The National Weather Service began warning days ago that a "mammoth dome" of Arctic air would form a "paralyzing ice storm."

Anti-Government Protests Turn Deadly in Venezuela

Anti-Government protesters clashed with police in Venezuela, leaving three people shot to death and nearly two dozen injured, authorities said. Two people were killed in the capital of Caracas during the protests Wednesday, Venezuelan attorney general Luisa Ortega said. Mayor Ramon Muchacho of Chacao, a municipality in greater Caracas, confirmed a third fatality. At least 23 people were injured, and government and private vehicles torched by protesters, Ortega told state-run Venezuelan news agency. Pro-government students countered the protests by taking to the streets of the capital Wednesday. Their marches were part of "Youth Day" commemoration, which marks students' participation in the 19th-century independence fight against colonial powers. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro described the recent protests as a possible coup against his government. Opposition leader Henrique Capriles decried the clashes. Students have protested for days nationwide to demand a better way of life, greater security on campus and the release of colleagues arrested during marches. About 30 people were arrested for vandalism acts Wednesday.

Ukraine Releases Detained Protesters

Ukraine’s leader has called for the opposition to yield some ground as authorities announced the release of hundreds of detained protesters days ahead of a mass, anti-government demonstration. The move appeared to be a concession from the government of Viktor Yanukovich, but is unlikely to appease protesters, who for more than two months have been occupying Kiev’s central Independence Square and nearby buildings in a bid to oust the president. Ukraine’s attorney general Viktor Pshonka also announced on Friday that none of the 234 people were arrested between December 26 and February 2 remained in custody. He added that if the amnesty law’s condition was met, all charges, some carrying sentences of up to 15 years in jail, would be dropped over a month starting from February 18. But he demanded that the protesters evacuate all public buildings they are occupying.

Teenage Boys Charged in Ritual Murder

Two teenage boys have been charged in the US with the sexual assault and ritual murder of a 15-year-old girl. Jose E Reyes, 17, and a 16-year-old boy are accused of the killing of Corriann Cervantes. Prosecutors in Texas said the pair believed they were doing a deal with “the devil” when they killed the girl. They are also accused of disfiguring the girl’s body, including carving an upside down crucifix on her stomach. Officials say that the boys lured Miss Cervantes to an empty apartment in Houston, Texas, on 5 February. Corriann Cervantes’ body was found in an empty flat in a block in Houston. Prosecutors say Jose Reyes’ family first went to authorities after the 17-year-old made “some admissions” to them about what had happened.

Gunmen Kill Anti-Taliban Volunteers In Pakistan

Militants killed nine men in a raid on a house of anti-Taliban activists in northwest Pakistan on Wednesday, the latest violence to hit fledgling peace talks. The attack came as Taliban and government negotiators try to start meaningful talks to end a seven-year Islamist insurgency that has claimed thousands of lives. About two dozen fighters were involved Wednesday’s attack in Mashukhel neighbourhood of Peshawar, close to the lawless Khyber tribal district, where Taliban and Islamist groups are active. Taliban and other militant groups have been targeting locals who support the security forces or have formed vigilante groups against them. Furious residents blocked the main highway linking Peshawar with the garrison town of Kohat for some time to protest against the killings. The attack came a day after 13 people were killed by a triple grenade attack on a Peshawar cinema which was showing pornography.

Syrian Troops Bomb Rebel Stronghold

Syrian government forces have resumed their bombardment of Yabroud, the last rebel stronghold in the Qalamoun Mountains, activists say. Warplanes have been carrying out air strikes and artillery has been pounding the strategic town since Wednesday. Residents have been fleeing to nearby Lebanon, fearful of a major assault. There has been a surge in fighting across Syria, with both sides apparently trying to gain territory to strengthen their hands in peace talks. After government and opposition delegates at the talks in Geneva failed to even agree a common agenda on Wednesday, the opposition National Coalition presented a paper containing its vision for a political transition. The plan called for the expulsion of all foreign fighters from Syria and for a UN-monitored ceasefire, but Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister, Faisal Mekdad, dismissed it as a “show” and refused to discuss it.

UK Storms Disrupt Travels, Leaves Homes without Power

Tens of thousands of homes are without power and there is renewed travel disruption after hurricane-force winds battered the UK on Wednesday. There was some respite on Thursday from the stormy weather but forecasters warned of further heavy rain, strong winds and snow on Friday. Sixteen severe flood warnings remain for Berkshire, Surrey and Somerset – all already hit by severe flooding. Train services in parts of the UK are cancelled and some roads are closed. It comes after parts of the transport network struggled to cope during Wednesday’s severe weather, which closed roads and caused delays and cancellations to rail services. In the Commons, Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said £61m would be spent to help repair the damage – but Labour said at least £118m was needed for rail repairs alone.

Amnesty International Calls for More Troops in CAR

International peacekeeping forces must break the control of anti-balaka militias and station sufficient troops in relevant towns in order to protect the remaining Muslim communities in Central Africa Republic (CAR). Senior Crisis Response Adviser at Amnesty International, Joanne Mariner, made this call in Nairobi on Thursday after lamenting that anti-balaka militias are carrying out violent attacks in an effort to ethnically cleanse Muslims in CAR, resulting in a Muslim exodus of historic proportions, Mariner said. Amnesty International criticized the international community’s tepid response to the crisis, noting that international peacekeeping troops have been reluctant to challenge anti-balaka militias, and slow to protect the threatened Muslim minority. In recent weeks, Amnesty International has taken over one hundred first-hand testimonies of large-scale anti-balaka attacks on Muslim civilians in CAR’s northwest towns of Bouali, Boyali, Bossembele, Bossemptele, and Baoro. CAR President, Catherine Samba-Panza, has said she will "go to war" with Christian militias who are slaughtering Muslims.

Afghanistan Releases 65 Militants

Afghanistan has released 65 alleged Taliban militants from Bagram prison on Thursday morning, in spite of criticisms from the US, American military officials said. The US military officials said the men were guilty and could return to the battlefield to attack NATO and Afghan troops. The prisoners were held in Bagram detention facility, adjacent to the largest US military base in Afghanistan, about 60 kilometres north of Kabul. The release of the detainees that the U.S. had called “dangerous individuals” is likely to worsen the already strained relationship between Kabul and Washington. The U.S.-led NATO combat troops are withdrawing this year, after 13 years, fighting the Taliban militants.